Food Habits

Twenty-four species of oceanic squid, along with some deep sea fish make up the main diet of strap-toothed whales. Confusion and fascination surround the feeding habits of these whales due to the enlarged mandibular teeth in the males. At first they were thought to interfere with feeding, but it is now thought that they may act as "guide rails" to send food to the throat. Even this hypothesis is questioned because it is quite possible that M. layardii, like other beaked whales, suck food into their mouths, regardless if how far they can open their mouths.